This issue of the Buffy comic seemed to be all over the place. We ended a dramatic arc with the last issue, though it was more with a whimper than a bang, and we’re starting up a possibly new arc this month. However, I have no idea what’s going on.

This issue was supposed to be the ultimate showdown between Buffy and Severin. To me, it was a bit more like a letdown. I didn’t feel like the threat of Severin was fully realized before it was all said and done. The high point, however, was that we get a few more tidbits of Spike confession over his longing for Buffy. Well, at least the issue wasn’t a total loss.

When there is supposed to be no more magic in the world, a guy who can turn vampires into corpses is sure to catch someone’s attention. And that means Buffy must figure out how it all works. That’s her mission in this issue of the comic. But is Severin telling the truth when he says he’s just as clueless as she is?

There are so many interesting bad girl good guy characters to choose from, I had to make another list. There’s something about that woman who on the one hand you can’t take home to mom but on the other hand you know will save your mom when the aliens invade.

Buffy’s back, continuing her journey to remain the Slayer in the aftermath of the Seed’s destruction. When last we left the group, Willow, Spike, and Buffy were up against a loan-collecting demon. We’ll get back to that soon, but first there’s a murderer in our midst.

Buffy’s back and she’s just as messed up as ever. When last we left our Slayer, she had rid the world of magic, put her former boyfriend in jail, and was continuing to string along her vampire stalker giving him hope that one day he might have a chance. But all is not right in the world and it’s up to Buffy to continue the good fight, even if the world around her could care less.

In the worlds and dimensions and workplaces of Whedon and Sorkin, family are the people you spend your time with, who have your back, who will help you through the bad times as well as the good, who will inspire you. And most of all, they’re the people in your life who seem to have the most natural dialogue and give the best speeches.

It’s the end of Season Eight! And we’re starting off the issue with a time jump. When last we left our heroes, the apocalyptic aftermath had left the world in ruins. As this issue picks up, all seems well and Buffy seems overly cheerful as she serves coffee patrons at the corner bookstore. I feel like I’ve missed out on so much and we’ve only just begun.

When you kick off a comic with the Master in chains and Angel seemingly evil, I’m going to have high hopes for a follow-through. Considering the expanse of the storyline, perhaps my hopes are not misplaced. It’s an all-hands-on-deck battle that may leave the planet in ruin and the battle between good and evil with a bloody aftermath.

This week we rant about Joss Whedon and the newest Buffy comic before talking about the week in TV and the Video Game Awards.